Container with a recognizable external apparel appearance

ABSTRACT

The invention provides for a container comprising a container body sized to contain therein one or more items and an outer material arranged on the container body. The outer material is fashioned to either generally resemble a garment and/or generally resemble a neck and upper torso area of a garment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application is a U.S. non-provisional Application based on U.S. provisional application No. 61/591,568, filed Jan. 27, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference hereto in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a container having an external appearance which resembles a garment as shown in the drawings and/or recited in the claims. Examples of the container include a flexible cooler bag and a backpack. A method of making and using the container is also disclosed.

2. Discussion of Background Information

Cooler bags are well known. Such devices come in various sizes and shapes and typically include flexible walls made of an outer waterproof layer, an internal insulating layer, and an inner waterproof layer.

An improved container, however, would have an additional layer of material covering the outer waterproof layer which resembles a garment or uniform.

It is submitted that there is a need for such a container and which is lacking in known devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one non-limiting embodiment, there is provided a container comprising a container body sized to contain therein one or more items and an outer material arranged on the container body. The outer material is fashioned to at least one of generally resemble a garment and generally resemble a neck and upper torso area of a garment.

In embodiments, the flexible container is a cooler bag.

In embodiments, the flexible container is a backpack.

In embodiments, the container body is generally rectangular.

In embodiments, at least one wall of the container body comprises a multilayered cross-section.

In embodiments, the multilayered cross-section comprises the outer material, an outer waterproof layer, an insulating layer, and an inner waterproof layer.

In embodiments, the multilayered cross-section comprises the outer material, an outer waterproof layer, and insulating layer, and an inner waterproof layer, and the insulating layer is thicker than each of the outer material, the outer waterproof layer, and the inner waterproof layer.

In embodiments, the garment is a surgical garment.

In embodiments, the garment is scrubs.

In embodiments, the garment is a sweatshirt garment.

In embodiments, the garment is a uniform garment.

In embodiments, the garment is a recognizable garment generally used in a distinct job.

In embodiments, the garment is a recognizable garment generally used in a distinct profession.

In embodiments, the garment is a recognizable garment used in the military.

In embodiments, the garment is a recognizable garment used for a specific sport.

In embodiments, the garment is a recognizable garment used for a specific recreation activity.

In accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, there is provided a flexible container comprising a container body sized to contain therein one or more items. At least one wall of the container body comprises an insulation layer and at least one waterproof material layer. A covering flap is utilized for releasably closing off an open end of the container body. An outer material is arranged on the container body. The outer material comprises at least two layers sewn or stitched to resemble a garment.

In accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, there is provided a flexible cooler container comprising an insulated container body sized to contain therein one or more items. A covering flap is utilized for releasably closing off an open end of the container body. An outer material is arranged on the container body. The outer material is a garment material sewn or switched to resemble a distinct recognizable garment and the garment material is the same material as used to make the distinct recognizable garment.

In accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of making the flexible container of any one of types described herein, wherein the method comprising at least one of attaching the outer material onto the container body and attaching portions of the outer material to portions of the container body.

In accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of making the flexible container of any one of the types described herein, wherein the method comprises at least one of non-removably attaching the outer material layer onto the container body and sewing or stitching portions of the outer material onto portions of the container body.

Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a front side view of a first non-limited embodiment of a cooler container having a specific recognizable garment appearance which, in this case, resembles a set of scrubs. The lid or cover flap is shown in a vertical position;

FIG. 2 shows a right side view of the cooler container of FIG. 1, but with the lid or cover flap in the nearly fully open position—being draped over the front side;

FIG. 3 shows a left side view of the cooler container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a rear side view of the cooler container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a front side view of the cooler container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged corner portion of a top side view of the cooler container of FIG. 1 with the flexible lid or cover flap in the open position;

FIG. 7 shows a section of strap used on either the right or left side of the cooler container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 shows a strap connector and a section of strap used to attach the strap connector on either the right or left side of the cooler container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 shows the strap connector used on the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 shows the section of strap for attaching the strap connector of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows a cross-section view of the multi-layered material used to form the four walls and bottom of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 shows a side view of the multi-layered material used to form the flexible lid of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 shows a front side view of another non-limited embodiment of a cooler container having a specific recognizable garment appearance which, in this case, resembles a running suit, jogging suit or cotton sweat suit. The lid or cover flap is shown in an open position; and

FIG. 14 shows a front and left side perspective view of another non-limited embodiment of a cooler container having a specific recognizable garment appearance which, in this case, resembles the container of FIG. 1 but with a non-adjustable carry strap and single front pocket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-12 show a first non-limiting embodiment of the cooler bag or flexible container 1. The container 1 includes a main body or container body 2 and a cover flap 3. The main body 2 has a front wall 4, a left side wall 5, a right side wall 6, a rear or back wall 7, and a bottom wall 8.

The main body 2 includes an open upper edge or rim 9 which, in this embodiment, has four corner sections 10. As can be seen in FIG. 6, each corner can be formed by joining edge regions of the respective front, back and side panels using e.g., stitching S. Other joining mechanisms can additionally or alternatively be utilize such as ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding, etc. The bottom 8 can optionally be integrally formed with one or more of the sides such as, e.g., the front 4, or and have an edge similarly connected to bottom edges of the back 7 and sides 5 and 6. Alternatively, the bottom 8 can be a separate panel whose four edges can be similarly connected to bottom edges of the front 4, back 7 and sides 5 and 6.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, it can be seen that the main body 2 has a somewhat human torso shape. As is especially apparent in FIGS. 2 and 3, the front 4 has a generally outwardly curved shape which narrows (in relation to its distance from the back 7) toward the upper edge 9 and widens toward the bottom 8. This shape generally resembles a human chest. Moreover, unlike typical containers, the cover flap or lid 3, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment, drapes over the front side 4 in the open position and drapes over and connects to the rear side 7 in the close position. Thus, the entire front side 4 becomes visible when the container 1 is fully closed and is not otherwise obstructed by the lid 3.

Again, with reference to FIGS. 1-3, it can be seen that the main body 2 has a reinforcement band 11 secured to each of the left and right sides 5 and 6 by e.g., stitching. A retaining ring or member 12 is also arranged on each side 5 and 6 and is sized and configured for connecting to an optional carrying strap. The strap, in embodiments, can be adjustable and have devices allowing it to be removed from the container 1. A short strap loop or connecting strap 13 is also similarly arranged on each side 5 and 6 and is sized and configured for connecting a respective member 12 to each side 5 and 6, and is optionally at least partially interposed (and secured with stitching) between each strap 11 and the material forming each respective side 5 and 6.

With reference to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the front side 4 of the main body 2 has a feature resembling a lower neck area 16 which is defined by a feature resembling a garment collar 15. In embodiments, the feature 16 is foamed of a loose section of woven cloth material which is similar to the material of a typical white cotton under-shirt or tee-shirt. In embodiments, the feature 15 is formed of a section of cloth material similar to or identical to that of the outer material making up the sides 4-8 and lid 3, but which has an outer edge stitched to the front side 4. An inner edge of the collar 15 also includes a row of stitching, but is loosely arranged over the section 16 and is not connected or stitched to either the front side 4 or the section 16. By forming the collar or V-collar 15 as a layer of material overlying the material of the front 4, the collar 15 acquires a three-dimensional appearance even if made of the same material and color as that of the front 4. These features aid in conveying the impression that the exterior appearance of the container 1 more accurately resembles a specific garment, i.e., in this case the shirt portion of a set of medical scrubs.

Also arranged on the front side 4 are one or more pockets 14 which, in the exemplary embodiment, are right and left side pockets. The left and right side edges of each pocket 14 are connected to the side 4 via a row of stitching, while an upper edge of each pocket 14 is loosely arranged over the side 4 and is not connected or stitched thereto—thereby functioning as an open upper end of a pocket. In embodiments, the outer sides of each pocket 14 are connected to the front 4 using the same stitching that forms the corners shown in FIG. 6—with the bottom edge of each pocket 14 being similarly connected or formed with the stitching connecting the front panel 4 and the bottom 8.

With reference to FIG. 2, it can been seen how one side of the container body 2 can have an additional relatively large side pocket 17 formed of, e.g., a netting material, and having an open upper end whose open edge is trimmed with a ribbon or material. The netting of the pocket 17 can be of such mesh size that it permits the viewing of the contents of the pocket—with the result that anything disposed within the pocket 17 can be recognized or distinguished through the netting material. The left and right side edges of the pocket 17 can be connected in the corners via stitching, while the lower edge of the pocket 17 is connected with stitching in the bottom corner formed between the side 5 and the bottom 8.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 2-4, it can been seen how the cover flap 3 can have a strip of connecting material 21 formed of, e.g., hook and loop, which is configured to releasably connect to another strip of connecting material 22 formed of, e.g., hook and loop. The connecting strip 21 can be non-removably secured to the flap 3 via, e.g., stitching, while the connecting strip 22 can similarly be non-removably secured to the back 7 via, e.g., stitching.

With reference to FIG. 4, it can been seen how the back side 7 of the container body 2 can have a relatively large lower pocket 18 formed of, e.g., a material similar or identical to that forming the outer material of the contained body 2, and having an open upper end whose open edge is trimmed with stitching. A relatively small identification pocket 20 can also be arranged on the pocket 18 and can include a clear flexible material connected only on three sides with stitching (leaving one side open for pocket 20 such as the right side shown in FIG. 4). The clear material can be such that it permits the viewing of the contents of the pocket 20—with the result that anything disposed within the pocket 20 (such as an identification (ID) card) can be easily viewed through the clear material.

With reference to FIG. 11, it can been seen how the container body 2 can be formed of a multi-layer wall 30. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 1, the outer material layer 31 can be one or more decorative or garment covering or layer(s). In embodiments, this layer can be one or more layers of woven natural and/or synthetic fibers, such as cotton and/or polyester, e.g., 100% polyester. An inner layer portion of the layer 31 can optionally be a polyethylene vinyl acetate or ethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) lining material (not shown). Another layer 32 is arranged inside outer layer 31 and can be formed of one or more vinyl or waterproof layer(s). One or more insulating material layer(s) 33 can be disposed inside layer 32. Still another layer 34 is arranged inside layer 33 and can be formed of one or more vinyl or waterproof layer(s). Together, the layers 32-34 can function to form a cooler portion of the container 1 while the layer(s) 31 functions to provide the garment appearance portion of the container 1.

With reference to FIG. 12, it can been seen how the flexible lid or cover flap 3 can also be formed as a multi-layer structure. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 1, the outer material layer 3 a can be one or more decorative or garment covering or layer(s). In embodiments, this layer can be one or more layers of woven polyester, e.g., 100% polyester. An inner layer portion of the layer 3 b can be of a similar material or alternatively can be a PEVA lining material. These layers 3 a and 3 b can be connected together at their edges via, e.g., stitching.

FIG. 13 shows another non-limiting embodiment of the cooler bag or flexible container 101. The container 101 includes a main body or container body 102 and a cover flap 103. The main body 102, like the previous embodiments, can have a front wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, a rear or back wall, and a bottom wall. Additionally, it can include the oppositely arranged strap connectors 112 (for, e.g., connecting a removable and adjustable carrying strap) as well as the side netting pocket, back pocket and identification pocket. However, in place of the two front side bottom pockets, this embodiment has single centrally disposed hand-hold pocket 114 whose left and right sides or edges are open and whose top and bottom edges are stitched closed. Furthermore, in the neck area, the container 101 includes an undershirt area 116 similar to that of FIG. 1, but with a different collar 115. In this embodiment, the collar 115 is a stitched edge of the material forming the front, and also includes metal eyelets 124 through which a woven cord 123 is laced in a manner which allows knotted free ends to dangle loosely. The laced cord 123 thus functions to give a three-dimensional effect to the garment—which in this embodiment has the form or appearance of a sweat-suit upper.

FIG. 14 shows another non-limiting embodiment of the cooler bag or flexible container. The container is similar to the previous embodiment, but additionally includes a carrying or support strap ST non-removably secured thereto by, e.g., stitching. Such a strap ST can be used on any of the herein disclosed embodiments.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, there is provided a container 1 or 101 comprising a container body 2 or 102 sized to contain therein one or more items. An outer material 31 is arranged on the container body 2 or 102. The outer material 31 is fashioned or configured to at least one of generally resemble a garment and generally resemble a neck and upper torso area of a garment.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, there is provided a flexible portable container 1 or 101 comprising a container body 2 or 102 sized to contain therein one or more items. At least one wall 4-8 of the container body 2 comprises an insulation layer 33 and at least one waterproof material layer 32 or 34. An outer material 31 is arranged on the container body 2. The outer material 31 may comprise at least two layers 15 and 16 sewn or stitched to resemble a garment.

In still another exemplary embodiment of the invention, there is provided a portable cooler container 1 or 101 comprising an insulated 32-34 container body 2 or 102 sized to contain therein one or more items. A covering flap 3 or 103 for releasably closing off an open end of the container body 2 or 102 is utilized which includes one edge non-releasably secured to a front side 4 of the container body 2 or 102. An outer material 31 is arranged on the container body 2 or 102. The outer material 31 is a garment material sewn or switched to the resemble a distinct recognizable garment and the garment material is the same material as used to make the distinct recognizable garment.

It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A container comprising: a container body sized to contain therein one or more items; and an outer material arranged on the container body, wherein the outer material is fashioned to at least one of: generally resemble a garment; and generally resemble a neck and upper torso area of a garment.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is a cooler bag.
 3. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is a backpack.
 4. The container of claim 1, wherein the container body is a generally rectangular flexible container.
 5. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one wall of the container body comprises a multilayered cross-section.
 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the multilayered cross-section comprises the outer material, an outer waterproof layer, an insulating layer, and an inner waterproof layer.
 7. The container of claim 6, wherein the insulating layer is thicker than each of the outer material, the outer waterproof layer, and the inner waterproof layer.
 8. The container of claim 1, wherein the garment is a surgical garment.
 9. The container of claim 1, wherein the garment is medical scrubs.
 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the garment is a sweatshirt.
 11. The container of claim 1, wherein the garment is a uniform.
 12. The container of claim 1, wherein the garment is a distinctive uniform warn in a particular occupation.
 13. The container of claim 1, wherein the garment is a recognizable garment generally used in a distinct profession.
 14. The container of claim 1, wherein the garment is a recognizable garment warn in a profession and having at least one loose accessory arranged thereon.
 15. The container of claim 1, wherein the garment is a sports or recreational activity uniform.
 16. A flexible portable container comprising: a container body sized to contain therein one or more items; at least one wall of the container body comprising: an insulation layer; and at least one waterproof material layer; and an outer material arranged on the container body, wherein the outer material comprises at least two layers sewn or stitched to resemble a garment.
 17. The container of claim 16, wherein the garment is at least one of: a surgical garment; a set of scrubs; a sweatshirt garment; a uniform garment.
 18. The container of claim 16, wherein the garment is an upper torso attire warn in a distinct profession, occupation, activity, or sport and the container further comprises a carrying strap coupled to the container body.
 19. A portable cooler container comprising: an insulated container body sized to contain therein one or more items; a covering flap for releasably closing off an open end of the container body and having one edge non-releasably secured to a front side of the container body; and an outer material arranged on the container body, wherein the outer material is a garment material sewn or switched to the resemble a distinct recognizable garment and said garment material is the same material as used to make the distinct recognizable garment.
 20. A method of making the flexible container of claim 1, the method comprising at least one of: attaching the outer material onto the container body; and attaching portions of the outer material to portions of the container body. 